The grant will fund further research and commercial development of their innovative radiopharmaceutical therapies targeting childhood cancers.
The grant, delivered under the Cooperative Research Centres Programme (CRC-P), will fund further product development and a study of Clarity’s lead asset SARTATE™ in Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer, affecting about 40 children a year in Australia.
Clarity, in collaboration with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Melbourne University and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, has developed its proprietary SAR Technology.
In the first instance this new concept involves utilising two forms of radiolabelled and targeted Copper isotopes, Copper-64 and Copper-67.
Copper-64 isotope can be used to diagnose and image tumours and Copper-67 isotope can target them for treatment.
The funding will allow Clarity to expand its capabilities and products focused on cancer therapy in paediatrics using this unique SAR Technology.
Product development will take place at Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI) at the University of Queensland, while Lane Cove-based Phebra will provide assistance and training in drug formulation, manufacturing, regulatory compliance and sales.
“Phebra is excited to be partnering with other innovative companies and organisations such as Clarity on a project which will strengthen Australia’s ability in the development of commercial pharmaceutical products,” said Phebra’s CEO, Dr Mal Eutick.
“We strongly believe that Clarity has an excellent product that will benefit many patients and we are pleased to be involved with them.
“As an Australian company, we are committed to creating opportunities for innovative research programs which involve training our workforce of young, highly-skilled scientists, and helping them develop their I.P into advanced, local manufacturing to achieve significantly improved health outcomes in the treatment of serious disease like cancer.”
